U.S. patent number 9,376,251 [Application Number 14/306,476] was granted by the patent office on 2016-06-28 for substrate storage container.
This patent grant is currently assigned to SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.. The grantee listed for this patent is Samsung Display Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Nam-Pyo Hong, Sung-Jin Joo, Heung-Seok Kim, Seung-Gyu Ko, Sang-Kyo Shin.
United States Patent |
9,376,251 |
Hong , et al. |
June 28, 2016 |
Substrate storage container
Abstract
A substrate storage container includes a body including a bottom
surface and a plurality of sidewalls extending perpendicularly from
the bottom surface in a first direction to cooperatively provide an
accommodating space for receiving a substrate, a first engaging
portion provided in at least one sidewall of the plurality of
sidewalls of the body and including a plurality of first
positioning latching members which is arranged toward the
accommodating space in a second direction perpendicular to the
first direction, and a first positioning block detachably engaged
with the first engaging portion and including a second positioning
latching member which is engaged with any one of the plurality of
first positioning latching members to adjust a capacity of the
accommodating space corresponding to an engagement position of the
second positioning latching member in the second direction.
Inventors: |
Hong; Nam-Pyo (Cheonan-si,
KR), Joo; Sung-Jin (Asan-si, KR), Ko;
Seung-Gyu (Suwon-si, KR), Kim; Heung-Seok
(Yongin-si, KR), Shin; Sang-Kyo (Asan-si,
KR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Display Co., Ltd. |
Yongin-City, Gyeonggi-Do |
N/A |
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
(KR)
|
Family
ID: |
52447695 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/306,476 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2014 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20150041361 A1 |
Feb 12, 2015 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Aug 7, 2013 [KR] |
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10-2013-0093409 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
81/107 (20130101); B65D 85/48 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
81/02 (20060101); B65D 85/30 (20060101); B65D
81/107 (20060101); B65D 85/48 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;206/449,454-456,593,701,706-709,722,723 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2008-222263 |
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Sep 2008 |
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JP |
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1020080054733 |
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Jun 2008 |
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KR |
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1020090030420 |
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Mar 2009 |
|
KR |
|
1020100034265 |
|
Apr 2010 |
|
KR |
|
20-0449843 |
|
Aug 2010 |
|
KR |
|
10-1098600 |
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Dec 2011 |
|
KR |
|
Primary Examiner: Ackun; Jacob K
Assistant Examiner: Ortiz; Rafael
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Cantor Colburn LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A substrate storage container, comprising: a body including a
bottom surface and a plurality of sidewalls extending
perpendicularly from the bottom surface in a first direction to
cooperatively provide an accommodating space for receiving a
substrate; a first engaging portion provided in at least one
sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the body and including a
plurality of first positioning latching members which is arranged
toward the accommodating space in a second direction perpendicular
to the first direction; a first positioning block detachably
engaged with the first engaging portion and including a second
positioning latching member which is engaged with any one of the
plurality of first positioning latching members to adjust a
capacity of the accommodating space corresponding to an engagement
position of the second positioning latching member in the second
direction; a second engaging portion protruding from the bottom
surface of the body and including a plurality of third positioning
latching members which is arranged toward the accommodating space
in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second
directions; and a second positioning block detachably engaged with
the second engaging portion and including a fourth positioning
latching member which is engaged with any one of the plurality of
third positioning latching members to adjust a capacity of the
accommodating space corresponding to an engagement position of the
fourth positioning latching member in the third direction, wherein
the second engaging portion further comprises a plurality of fifth
positioning latching members which is arranged in the third
direction toward the accommodating space, and the second
positioning block is engaged with any one of the plurality of fifth
positioning latching members to adjust a capacity of the
accommodating space corresponding to an engagement position of the
plurality of fifth positioning latching members in the third
direction.
2. The substrate storage container of claim 1, wherein a receiving
recess for receiving the first positioning block is defined in the
first engaging portion.
3. The substrate storage container of claim 2, wherein a plurality
of first rib recesses of the first positioning latching members is
defined in a sidewall of the receiving recess, and the second
positioning latching member includes a first protrusion which is
disposed in a sidewall of the first positioning block to be
interference fitted with any one of the first rib recesses.
4. The substrate storage container of claim 2, wherein the first
positioning block further comprises a first contact pad portion
which is provided on a sidewall of the first positioning block and
contacts the substrate.
5. The substrate storage container of claim 1, wherein the second
engaging portion comprises first and second guides which face each
other to receive the second positioning block.
6. The substrate storage container of claim 5, wherein a plurality
of second rib recesses of the plurality of third positioning
latching members is defined in at least one sidewall of the first
and second guides to be spaced apart from one another in the third
direction, and the fourth positioning latching member is a second
protrusion which is disposed in a sidewall of the second
positioning block to be interference fitted with any one of the
plurality of second rib recesses.
7. The substrate storage container of claim 1, wherein the second
positioning block further comprises a second contact pad portion
which is provided on a sidewall of the second positioning block to
contact the substrate.
8. The substrate storage container of claim 1, wherein the third
direction is perpendicular to the second direction.
9. The substrate storage container of claim 1, wherein a guide
recess of the second engaging portion is defined in the bottom
surface of the body to guide and support the second positioning
block.
10. The substrate storage container of claim 1, wherein a plurality
of third rib recesses of the plurality of fifth positioning
latching members is defined in a sidewall of the guide recess to be
spaced apart from one another in the third direction, and the
second protrusion of the second positioning block is interference
fitted with any one of the plurality of second and third rib
recesses.
11. The substrate storage container of claim 1, wherein the second
positioning block further comprises a guiding portion which
protrudes from a bottom surface of the second positioning block to
be inserted into the guide recess.
12. The substrate storage container of claim 11, wherein a
supporting protrusion is disposed in a sidewall of the guide
recess, a supporting recess is defined in a sidewall of the guiding
portion of the second positioning block, and the supporting
protrusion is interference fitted with the supporting recess.
13. The substrate storage container of claim 1, wherein the body
further comprises a subsidiary block portion which protrudes from
at least one of the plurality of sidewalls of the body to support
the substrate.
14. The substrate storage container of claim 13, wherein the
subsidiary block portion further comprises a third contact pad
portion which is provided on a sidewall of the subsidiary block
portion to contact the substrate.
15. The substrate storage container of claim 1, further comprising
a cover attached on the body.
16. The substrate storage container of claim 1, wherein an end of
the sidewall of the body includes a step portion.
17. The substrate storage container of claim 1, wherein the body
comprises plastic.
18. The substrate storage container of claim 1, wherein the first
positioning block comprises plastic.
Description
This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No.
10-2013-0093409, filed on Aug. 7, 2013, and all the benefits
accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119, the contents of which
are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
Exemplary embodiments relate to a substrate storage container. More
particularly, exemplary embodiments relate to a container for
storing a plurality of display panels.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, in a manufacture of flat display devices such as a
liquid crystal display device, once display panels have been
fabricated, the display panels may be received and protected safely
in a substrate storage container during transportation to the next
manufacturing stage.
SUMMARY
A conventional substrate storage container may be only suitable for
storing and transporting display panels having a certain size. In
order to store and transport new panel models having other sizes, a
new and different container may be needed to be prepared or
manufactured. Accordingly, the cost of storing and transporting new
panel models having different sizes may be correspondingly
increased.
Exemplary embodiments provide a substrate storage container having
high space efficiency and capable of reducing a cost of storing and
transporting differently sized display panels.
According to exemplary embodiments, a substrate storage container
includes a body, a first engaging portion and a first positioning
block. The body includes a bottom surface and a plurality of
sidewalls extending perpendicularly from the bottom surface in a
first direction to cooperatively provide an accommodating space for
receiving a substrate. The first engaging portion is provided in at
least one sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the body and
includes a plurality of first positioning latching members that is
arranged toward the accommodating space in a second direction
perpendicular to the first direction. The first positioning block
is detachably engaged with the first engaging portion and includes
a second positioning latching member that is engaged with any one
of the first positioning latching members to adjust a capacity of
the accommodating space corresponding to an engagement position of
the second positioning latching member in the second direction.
In exemplary embodiments, a receiving recess for receiving the
first positioning block is defined in the first engaging
portion.
In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of first rib of the first
positioning latching members is defined in a sidewall of the
receiving recess, and the second positioning latching member may be
a first protrusion that is disposed in a sidewall of the first
positioning block to be interference fitted with any one of the
first rib recesses.
In exemplary embodiments, the first positioning block may further
include a first contact pad portion that is provided on a sidewall
of the first positioning block and contacts the substrate.
In exemplary embodiments, the substrate storage container may
further include a second engaging portion and a second positioning
block. The second engaging portion protrudes from the bottom
surface of the body and includes a plurality of third positioning
latching members that is arranged in a third direction toward the
accommodating space. The second positioning block is detachably
engaged with the second engaging portion and includes a fourth
positioning latching member that is engaged with any one of the
third positioning latching members to adjust a capacity of the
accommodating space corresponding to an engagement position of the
fourth positioning latching member in the third direction.
In exemplary embodiments, the second engaging portion may include
first and second guides that face each other to receive the second
positioning block.
In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of second rib recesses of the
third positioning latching members is defined in at least one
sidewall of the first and second guides to be spaced apart from one
another in the third direction, and the fourth positioning latching
member may be a second protrusion that is disposed in a sidewall of
the second positioning block to be interference fitted with any one
of the second rib recesses.
In exemplary embodiments, the second positioning block may further
include a second contact pad portion that is provided on a sidewall
of the second positioning block to contact the substrate.
In exemplary embodiments, the third direction may be perpendicular
to the second direction.
In exemplary embodiments, a guide recess of the second engaging
portion which is defined in the bottom surface of the body to guide
and support the second positioning block.
In exemplary embodiments, the second engaging portion may further
include a plurality of fifth positioning latching members that is
arranged in the third direction toward the accommodating space, and
the second positioning block may be engaged with any one of the
fifth positioning latching members to adjust a capacity of the
accommodating space corresponding to an engagement position of the
fifth positioning latching members in the third direction.
In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of third rib recesses of the
fifth positioning latching members is defined in a sidewall of the
guide recess to be spaced apart from one another in the third
direction, and the second protrusion of the second positioning
block may be interference fitted with any one of the second and
third rib recesses.
In exemplary embodiments, the second positioning block may further
include a guiding portion that protrudes from a bottom surface of
the second positioning block to be inserted into the guide
recess.
In exemplary embodiments, a supporting protrusion may be disposed
in a sidewall of the guide recess, a supporting recess may be
defined in a sidewall of the guiding portion of the second
positioning block, and the supporting protrusion may be
interference fitted with the supporting recess.
In exemplary embodiments, the body may further include a subsidiary
block portion that protrudes from at least one of the plurality of
sidewalls of the body to support the substrate.
In exemplary embodiments, the subsidiary block portion may further
include a third contact pad portion that is provided on a sidewall
of the subsidiary block portion to contact the substrate.
In exemplary embodiments, the substrate storage container may
further include a cover attached on the body.
In exemplary embodiments, an end of the sidewall of the body may
have a step portion.
In exemplary embodiments, the body may include plastic.
In exemplary embodiments, the first positioning block may include
plastic.
According to exemplary embodiments, first and second positioning
blocks may be detachably engaged with any one of respective
positioning latching members provided in a body to adjust a
capacity of a space for accommodating a substrate.
Accordingly, in order to store and transport new panel models
having other sizes from the previous stored panels, the engagement
positions of the first and second positioning blocks may be
controlled to adjust a capacity of the accommodating space
corresponding to a size of new panel model. Thus, it may not be
required to manufacture a new substrate storage container for
receiving and transporting new panels having other sizes, thereby
reducing manufacturing costs of a display device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Exemplary embodiments will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. FIGS. 1 to 11 represent non-limiting
exemplary embodiments as described herein.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating exemplary
embodiments of a substrate storage container in accordance with the
invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a body of the substrate
storage container in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the body in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a first positioning block in the body of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a second positioning block in
the body of FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a guide recess for guiding the
second positioning block in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a bottom view illustrating the second positioning block
in FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a rear view illustrating the second positioning block in
FIG. 5.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the second positioning
block engaged with the guide recess in FIG. 6.
FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating substrates having different
sizes and received in the substrate storage container in FIG.
1.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating exemplary embodiments of
a substrate storage container in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various
embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in
many different forms, and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and
will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in
the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements
throughout.
It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being
"on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or
intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when
an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element,
there are no intervening elements present.
It will be understood that, although the terms "first," "second,"
"third" etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited
by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one
element, component, region, layer or section from another element,
component, region, layer or section. Thus, "a first element,"
"component," "region," "layer" or "section" discussed below could
be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section
without departing from the teachings herein.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As
used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended
to include the plural forms, including "at least one," unless the
content clearly indicates otherwise. "Or" means "and/or." As used
herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one
or more of the associated listed items. It will be further
understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," or
"includes" and/or "including" when used in this specification,
specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps,
operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, regions,
integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof.
Furthermore, relative terms, such as "lower" or "bottom" and
"upper" or "top," may be used herein to describe one element's
relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It
will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass
different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation
depicted in the Figures. For example, if the device in one of the
figures is turned over, elements described as being on the "lower"
side of other elements would then be oriented on "upper" sides of
the other elements. The exemplary term "lower," can therefore,
encompasses both an orientation of "lower" and "upper," depending
on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the
device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as
"below" or "beneath" other elements would then be oriented "above"
the other elements. The exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" can,
therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.
"About" or "approximately" as used herein is inclusive of the
stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for
the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the
art, considering the measurement in question and the error
associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the
limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can
mean within one or more standard deviations, or within .+-.30%,
20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present
disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly
formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross
section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized
embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the
illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques
and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments described
herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes
of regions as illustrated herein but are to include deviations in
shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a
region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough
and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are
illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the
figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended
to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to
limit the scope of the present claims.
Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be explained in detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a substrate
storage container in accordance with exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2
is a perspective view illustrating a body of the substrate storage
container in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the body in
FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a first positioning block in the body of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a second positioning block in
the body of FIG. 3.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a substrate storage container 10 may
include a body 100 providing accommodating spaces S1 and S2 for
receiving substrates and at least one first positioning block 130
and at least one second positioning block 150 detachably engaged
with the body 100 and adjusting a capacity of the accommodating
spaces S1 and S2.
In exemplary embodiments, the body 100 may include a lower plate
having a bottom surface 110 and a plurality of sidewalls 120
extending perpendicularly from the lower plate in a first direction
D3. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first direction D3
is perpendicular to a third direction D1 and a second direction D2,
and the third direction D1 and the second direction D2 are
perpendicular to each other. The bottom surface 110 and the
sidewalls 120 may cooperatively provide the accommodating spaces S1
and S2.
In an exemplary embodiment, the body 100 may include four sidewalls
120 and have a substantially rectangular shape. Accordingly, the
accommodating spaces S1 and S2 may be defined in the body 100 to be
opened in an upward direction (i.e., first direction D3). However,
the invention is not limited thereto, and the body 100 may have
various other shapes.
The substrate storage container 10 may store a substrate such as a
display panel, for example, in the accommodating spaces S1 and S2.
In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel may include a thin
film transistor ("TFT") substrate, a color filter substrate and a
crystal liquid layer interposed therebetween, for example. However,
it may be understood that the substrate may not be limited
thereto.
The substrate storage container 10 may further include a cover 200.
The cover 200 may be attached to the body 100. The cover 200 may
include an upper plate 210 and a plurality of sidewalls 220
extending perpendicularly from the upper plate 210.
In exemplary embodiments, at least one first positioning block 130
and at least one second positioning block 150 may be detachably
engaged with the body 100 to control a capacity of the
accommodating spaces S1 and S2.
A first engaging portion for engaging the first positioning block
130 and a second engaging portion for engaging the second
positioning block 150 may be provided in the body 100.
As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first engaging portion may be
defined in at least one sidewall 120 of the sidewalls of the body
100. The first engaging portion may include a plurality of first
positioning latching members that is arranged in the second
direction D2 toward the accommodating space S1. The first
positioning block 130 may include a second positioning latching
member that is engaged with any one of the first positioning
latching members to adjust a capacity of the accommodating space 51
corresponding to the engagement position in the second direction
D2.
In an exemplary embodiment, a receiving recess 122 for receiving
the first positioning block 130 may be defined in the first
engaging portion. A gap 123 for receiving at least a portion of the
first positioning block 130 may be defined in the receiving recess
122. A plurality of first rib recesses 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d and
124e of the first positioning latching members is defined in a
sidewall of the receiving recess 122 to be spaced apart from one
another in the second direction D2. The first rib recesses 124a,
124b, 124c, 124d and 124e may be defined respectively in both
sidewalls of the receiving recess 122 opposite to each other. The
first rib recess 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d and 124e may extend in the
upward direction D3.
The second positioning latching member of the first positioning
block 130 may include a first protrusion 132. The first protrusion
132 may be disposed in a sidewall of the first positioning block
130 to be interference fitted with any one of the first rib
recesses 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d and 124e. The first protrusion 132
may be disposed respectively in both sidewalls of the first
positioning block 130 opposite to each other. The first protrusion
132 may extend in the upward direction D3.
Accordingly, the first protrusion 132 of the first positioning
block 130 may be interference fitted with any one of the first rib
recesses 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d and 124e of the receiving recess
122.
When the first rib recess 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d or 124e fitted
with the first protrusion 132 of the first positioning block 130 is
closer to the accommodating space S1, the capacity of the
accommodating space S1 becomes smaller so that the first
positioning block 130 may contact and support a substrate having a
smaller size in the body 100. When the first rib recess 124a, 124b,
124c, 124d or 124e fitted with the first protrusion 132 of the
first positioning block 130 is farther from the accommodating space
S1, the capacity of the accommodating space S1 becomes greater so
that the first positioning block 130 may contact and support a
substrate having a greater size in the body 100.
Accordingly, the first positioning block 130 may be engaged with
the receiving recess 122 of the body 100 at a desired position
corresponding to a size of a substrate to adjust a capacity of the
accommodating space S1.
As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the second engaging portion may be
provided to protrude from the bottom surface 110 of the body 100.
The second engaging portion may include a plurality of third
positioning latching members that is arranged in the third
direction D1 toward the accommodating space S1. The second
positioning block 150 may include a fourth positioning latching
member that is engaged with any one of the third positioning
latching members to adjust a capacity of the accommodating space S1
corresponding to the engagement position in the third direction
D1.
In an exemplary embodiment, the second engaging portion may include
first and second guides 140 and 141 facing each other for receiving
the second positioning block 150. The first and second guides 140
and 141 may protrude from the bottom surface 110 of the body 100.
The third positioning latching members may include a plurality of
second rib recesses 142a, 142b and 142c that is defined in at least
one sidewall of the first and second guides 140 and 141 to be
spaced apart from one another in the third direction D1. The second
rib recesses 142a, 142b and 142c may be defined respectively in the
sidewalls of the first and second guides 140 and 141 opposite to
each other. The second rib recesses 142a, 142b and 142c may extend
in the upward direction D3.
The fourth positioning latching member may be a second protrusion
152. The second protrusion 152 may be disposed in a sidewall of the
second positioning block 150 to be interference fitted with any one
of the second rib recesses. The second protrusion 152 may be
disposed respectively in both sidewalls of the second positioning
block 150 opposite to each other. The second protrusion 152 may
extend in the upward direction D3.
Accordingly, the second protrusion 152 of the second positioning
block 150 may be interference fitted with any one of the second rib
recesses 142a, 142b and 142c.
When the second rib recess fitted with the second protrusion 152 of
the second positioning block 150 is closer to the accommodating
space S1, the capacity of the accommodating space S1 becomes
smaller so that the second positioning block 150 may contact and
support a substrate having a smaller size in the body 100. On the
contrary, when the second rib recess fitted with the second
protrusion 152 of the second positioning block 150 is farther from
the accommodating space S1, the capacity of the accommodating space
S1 becomes greater so that the second positioning block 150 may
contact and support a substrate having a greater size in the body
100.
Accordingly, the second positioning block 150 may be engaged with
the guide protruding from the bottom surface 110 of the body 100 at
a desired position corresponding to a size of a substrate to adjust
a capacity of the accommodating space S1.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first positioning block 130 may
adjust a longitudinal size of the accommodating space S1
corresponding to the engagement position in the second direction D2
and the second positioning block 152 may adjust a transverse size
of the accommodating space S1 corresponding to the engagement
position in the third direction D1.
The first engaging portion may be provided in each of the sidewalls
of the body 100 opposite to each other. In this case, the receiving
recesses 122 may be provided in the sidewalls of the body 100
opposite to each other and the first positioning blocks 130 may be
detachably engaged with the receiving recesses 122, respectively.
Accordingly, two first positioning blocks 130 may cooperatively
adjust a longitudinal size of a substrate to be stored in the
substrate storage container 10.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first rib recesses 124a, 124b, 124c,
124d and 124e may be spaced apart from one another by a
predetermined distance in the second direction D2. In an exemplary
embodiment, the first protrusions 132 of the first positioning
block 130 may be engaged with the first rib recesses 124a, 124b,
124c, 124d and 124e in the opposing sidewalls of the receiving
recess 122 respectively such that two first positioning blocks 130
may cooperatively adjust a longitudinal size of a substrate to be
stored.
In exemplary embodiments, the body 100 may further include a
subsidiary block portion 126. The subsidiary block portion 126 may
protrude from at least one of the sidewalls of the body 100 to
support the substrate. The subsidiary block portion 126 may be
arranged to face the second positioning block 150. Accordingly, the
second positioning block 150 and the subsidiary block portion 126
may cooperatively adjust a transverse size of a substrate to be
stored in the body 100.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second rib recesses 142a, 142b and
142c may be spaced apart from one another by a predetermined
distance in the third direction D1. In an exemplary embodiment, the
second protrusions 152 of the second positioning block 150 may be
engaged with the second rib recesses of the first and second guides
140 and 141 respectively such that the second positioning block 150
and the subsidiary block portion 126 may cooperatively adjust a
transverse size of a substrate to be stored.
In exemplary embodiments, the first positioning block 130 may
further include a first contact pad portion 134 (refers to FIG. 4)
that is provided on a sidewall of the first positioning block 130
to contact the substrate. The second positioning block 150 (refers
to FIG. 5) may further include a second contact pad portion 154
that is provided on a sidewall of the second positioning block 150
to contact the substrate. The subsidiary block portion 126 may
further include a third contact pad portion 128 that is provided on
a sidewall of the subsidiary block portion 126 to contact the
substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, the first, second and third
contact pad portions 134, 154 and 128 may include a resilient
material such as rubber, for example. However, the invention is not
limited thereto, and the first, second and third contact pad
portions 134, 154 and 128 may include various other materials.
A buffer space 129 (refers to FIG. 3) between adjacent receiving
recesses 122 may be further defined in the body 100. In an
exemplary embodiment, a dehumidifying agent may be disposed in the
buffer space 129 to effectively reduce the level of humidity in the
body 100 in order to store substrates for long time.
In an exemplary embodiment, the body 100, the first positioning
block 130 and the second positioning block 150 may include a
plastic material. In the exemplary embodiment the plastic material
may be expanded polypropylene ("EPP"), for example. However, the
invention is not limited thereto, and second positioning block 150
may include various other types of plastic materials.
As mentioned above, the first and second positioning blocks 130 and
150 may be detachably engaged with any one of respective
positioning latching members to control a capacity of a space S1,
S2 for accommodating a substrate.
In order to store and transport new panel models having different
sizes from the previous stored panels, the first and second
positioning blocks 130 and 150 may be detached from the body 100,
and then, the first and second position blocks 130 and 150 may be
engaged with the body 100 at a desired position corresponding to
the size of the new panel substrate to adjust a capacity of the
accommodating space.
Accordingly, the engagement positions of the first and second
positioning blocks 130 and 150 may be determined to adjust a
capacity of the accommodating space corresponding to a size of new
panel model. Thus, it may not be required to manufacture a new
substrate storage container for receiving a new panel model,
thereby effectively reducing manufacturing costs.
Hereinafter, a second engaging portion for engaging with the second
positioning block in FIG. 5 will be explained further in
detail.
FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a guide recess for guiding the
second positioning block in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a bottom view
illustrating the second positioning block 150 in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is
a rear view illustrating the second positioning block 150 in FIG.
5. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the second positioning
block 150 engaged with the guide recess in FIG. 6.
Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, in exemplary embodiments, guide recesses
112 and 113 of the second engaging portion for guiding and
supporting the second positioning block 150 are defined. The guide
recesses 112 and 113 may be disposed in the bottom surface 110 of
the body 100. The guide recesses 112 and 113 may extend in the
third direction D1.
In this case, the second positioning block 150 may further include
a guiding portion 156 (FIG. 8) that protrudes from a bottom surface
of the second positioning block 150. The guiding portion 156 of the
second positioning block 150 may be inserted into the guide recess
112. Accordingly, the second positioning block 150 may be supported
by the guide recess 112 by the guiding portion 156.
The second engaging portion may include a plurality of fifth
positioning latching members that is arranged in the third
direction D1 toward the accommodating space S1. The second
positioning block 150 may be engaged with any one of the fifth
positioning latching members to adjust a capacity of the
accommodating space S1 corresponding to the engagement position in
the third direction D1.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, a plurality of third rib recesses 114a,
114b and 114c of the fifth positioning latching members may be
defined in a sidewall of the guide recess 112 to be spaced apart
from one another in the third direction D1. The third rib recesses
114a, 114b and 114c may be disposed respectively in the sidewall of
the guide recess 112. The third rib recess may extend in the upward
direction D3.
Two guide recesses 112 and 113 may be defined in the bottom surface
110 of the body to be spaced apart from each other. The first and
second guides 140 and 141 may extend from the guide recesses 112
and 113 respectively. The second rib recesses 142a, 142b and 142c
may extend from the sidewalls of the first and second guides 140
and 141 to the sidewalls of the guide recesses 112 and 113. The
second rib recesses 142a, 142b and 142c and the third rib recesses
114a, 114b and 114c may be spaced apart from one another by a
predetermined distance in the third direction D1.
Accordingly, the second protrusion 152 of the second positioning
block 150 may be interference fitted with any one of the second rib
recesses 142a, 142b and 142c and the third rib recesses 114a, 114b
and 114c.
Further, at least one supporting protrusion 115a, 115b (refers to
FIG. 6) may be disposed in another sidewall of the guide recess
112. The supporting protrusion may extend in the upward direction
D3. At least one supporting recess 158a or 158b (refers to FIG. 7)
may be disposed in a sidewall of the guiding portion 156 of the
second positioning block 150. The supporting protrusions 115a and
115b may be interference fitted with the supporting recesses 158a
and 158b respectively. Accordingly, when the second protrusion 152
of the second positioning block 150 is engaged with any one of the
third rib recesses 114a, 114b and 114c, the supporting protrusions
115a and 115b may be engaged with the supporting recesses 158a and
158b such that the second positioning block 150 may be securely
fitted with the body 100.
FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating substrates having different
sizes and received in the substrate storage container in FIG.
1.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 10, the body 100 may have two first and
second accommodating spaces S1 and S2 in both sides of the first
and second guides 140 and 141.
A capacity of the first accommodating space 51 may be adjusted by a
combination of engagement positions of the first and second
positioning blocks 130 and 150 to receive a first substrate P1
having a first size. A capacity of the second accommodating space
S2 may be adjusted by a combination of engagement positions of the
first and second positioning blocks 130 and 150 to receive a second
substrate P2 having a second size different from the first size.
Accordingly, the first and second substrates P1 and P2 having
different sizes may be received in the first and second
accommodating spaces S1 and S2 respectively.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first substrates P1 may be stacked
on one another in the first accommodating space 51 of the body 100.
Every two adjacent first substrates P1 may be spaced by a spacing
sheet (not illustrated). The second substrates P2 may be stacked on
one another in the second accommodating space S2 of the body 100.
Every two adjacent second substrates P2 may be spaced by a spacing
sheet (not illustrated).
FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a substrate storage
container in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The substrate
storage container may be substantially the same as or similar to
the substrate storage container in FIG. 1, except for a structure
of stacked bodies. Thus, same reference numerals will be used to
refer to the same or like elements as those described in the
substrate storage container in FIG. 1, and any further repetitive
explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted.
Referring to FIG. 11, a substrate storage container 11 may include
a plurality of bodies 100. A first step portion 102 (see FIG. 1)
may be disposed in an upper sidewall of the body 100, and a second
step portion (not illustrated) may be disposed in a lower sidewall
of the body 100 corresponding to the first step portion 102.
Accordingly, a plurality of the bodies 100 may be stacked on one
another by an engagement of the first and second step portions. A
cover 200 (refers to FIG. 1) may be attached on an uppermost
surface of the body 100.
In an exemplary embodiment, a bandage (not illustrated) may be
provided to surround the substrate storage container 11 along
fixing recesses 170 and 230 in outer sidewalls of the body 100 and
the cover 200. Accordingly, the substrate storage container 11
including a plurality of the bodies 100 stacked therein may be
transport and store a plurality of substrates.
The foregoing is illustrative of exemplary embodiments and is not
to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary
embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in
exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel
teachings and advantages of the invention. Accordingly, all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of
exemplary embodiments as defined in the claims. In the claims,
means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures
described herein as performing the recited function and not only
structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Therefore,
it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of
various exemplary embodiments and is not to be construed as limited
to the specific exemplary embodiments disclosed, and that
modifications to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, as well as
other exemplary embodiments, are intended to be included within the
scope of the appended claims.
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